PEOPLE

Otaw

THE PEOPLE OF THE VALLEY

One would expect that the advent of
modern ways of living and new cultures
emerging, traditions and folklore would be
forgotten in the valley.

But today, that is fortunately an unmet
expectation. Different persona from diverse
backgrounds co-exist in Comval and call the
valley their home.

Yet, who are the Davaoeños? The insightful
answer would be to recognize those who
define the dentity of the valley.

The lumad people provides the valley its
cultural heritage and reminds the present-day
citizens t value humility and simplicity amidts
modernity. The farmers till the fertile lands and
the fisherman comb the seas of the valley to
provides livelihood and food to the people.
The miners give pride to the valley as a source
of one of the most valuable elements in the
world.

Together with the settler and the generations
after them, these people come to mind when
others speak of Davaoeños

But beyond their superficial descriptions,
these people define Comval through their
stories hope, resiliency, and unity hat cuts
across race, religion, or social status.

INDIGENOUS PEOPLE

THE MANSAKA

For as long as the can remember, the Mansaka people occupy
the municipality of Maco, Mabini, Pantukan, Nabunturan, Mawab
and Maragusan. The Mansaka place high regard on their elders,
known as the matikadong. They are consulted in every decision
and are known to be knowledgeable in customary laws. wealth,
wisdom, and the ability to resolve conflicts.

THE KAGAN

They inhabit the shorelines of Maco, and Pantukan.
Their relationship with the Maguindanao Sultanate during the peak
of the slave trade is Souheast Asia led to their conversation to Islam.
The Kagan known for their colorful weddings.

THE MANDAYA

The mandaya largely depended on the abundance of the environment for their
food.They hunted and gatherings at the mouth of the rivers and vast tropical
forest. They paid high respects of these forestlands by offering prayers and
sacrifices. They believe in the presence of the Labaw na MAgbabaya (the Creator)
and environmental spirits like the busaw and the tagamaling.

THE MANGGUANGAN

They used to live in the swampy lands where the rivers of Batoto,
Manat, and Agusan met. They used to be foragers-hunting small
animals, fishing, and gatherings wild plants in the thick forests.
During the peak of the slave trade the Mangguagans became the
targets of the slave hunters. This experience led them to defend their
territories an join the reduccion (community) built b Ft.Urios.

THE MANOBO

The Manobo community in Davao De Oro are strategically
located near the river channels and hilltops as higher grounds
ensure protection againts surprice attacks by enemies. With the
strong social and ecomonic ties, typical Manobo settlements are
ussually composed of 20 to 30 clustered households which are
distinctively close to their permanent cultivation.

THE DIBABAWON

Legends say that the Dibabawon were descendants of tribesmen from
Bukidnon who opted to hike down to the plain lands of Agusan River.Thus,
the were refrred to as “di-baba-on” or people of the lowlands. They are
now found in Laak, Monkayo and Montevista. The Dibabawon are known for
maintaining good relations with their Mansaka and Mandaya neighbors.